Trendy restaurants can often fall in the trap of being so unrealistically hip, and so over-designed by consultants and social media influencers that they descend into a kind of forgettable blandness. That is absolutely not a criticism that you can level against Ranch Honky Tonk.
This new restaurant found at the northeast corner of Ashley and Washington knows exactly what its about and does it well. It’s western themed and fully confident of its ability to fill its place in downtown’s culinary scene out of sheer distinctiveness.
“An ass kickin’ good time” is what they promise.
A door on the Ashley Street side makes accessing the outdoor seating easy. Note that if you sit on the Ashley Street side, you’ll get Honky Tonk’s Tex-Mex menu; if you sit on the Washington Street side, you’ll be handed a Grizzly Peak menu. The arch that connects the two establishments makes it clear that this is the same company trying some thing new— the menus of the two separate restaurants are extremely similar as a consequence, though Grizzly Peak isn’t as southwestern as Ranch Honky Tonk.
The décor is pure country nostalgia. Big portraits of Johnny Cash and Dolly Parton are one of the first things you notice walking in, as they’re spot lit in an otherwise somewhat dark interior.
Live music comes in the from of a small band tucked a bit out of the way from the dinners, next to the bar in the windows of the front. But you can hear their music even when you’re sitting outside. If you like country music, you’ll find it is a much nicer experience thank just listening to a playlist. If you aren’t into country, then you’re better off outside.
Food is where the Ranch Honky Tonk excels, matching the prices of nearby Main Street with the same level of quality. The ranch burger is big and perfectly juicy on a bun that perfectly nails the balance between being soft without falling apart on you.
RELATED: The Ranch Honky Tonk Brings Live Country Energy to Downtown Ann Arbor
If you’re really hungry, go for the birria beef burrito. It is a filling and complex burrito version of the popular birria tacos that manages to be delicious without any one ingredient overpowering anything else. It is served with a bunch of onions on top, but dig deeper and you’ll find it isn’t actually too oniony.
Their cocktail menu is also full of great options. The happy hour goes from 3-6pm, Monday through Thursday. The Hornet’s Revenge cocktail gets your attention in a zesty, tart way. The Butch’s Cattle Car takes like a mellow take on a whisky sour.
There is also a DJ in a downtown space. There is a cover charge to get in there.
Prices for food range $5 to $45. Drinks go from $3 to $13. The “10 Gallon Hat Bowls” are drink options meant to be shared by up to four people, costing $48.
Drew Saunders is a freelance business and environmental journalist who grew up just outside of Ann Arbor. He covers local business developments, embraces his foodie side with reviews restaurants, obsesses over Michigan's environmental state, loves movies, and feels spoiled by the music he gets to review for Ann Arbor!
